Conference
The web is shifting. Join some of the internet’s best minds as they speak about their craft, share their experiences, and speculate on where design on the web is headed.
November 12-16, 2012 / Belfast, N. Ireland
A conference, hands-on workshops, a day of practical, an evening of film, live music, evening lectures, a craft beer festival, a pub quiz, a pop-up shop, markets, exhibitions, meetups and parties.
Build is back, baby.
The web is shifting. Join some of the internet’s best minds as they speak about their craft, share their experiences, and speculate on where design on the web is headed.
Disconnect and make something with your own hands. In this year’s workshops, you’ll learn a traditional craft from accomplished masters from around the world, then leave at the end of the day with what you’ve made.
Join Best Made Co. for a two-day workshop on axe restoration, maintenance and use. During day one you’ll restore and sharpen a vintage axe back to a useable condition, yours to keep. On day two, you’ll learn the basics on using your axe to fell and split timber safely and effectively side-by-side with Best Made. We’ll end day two with a communal campfire and more axe and timber lore.
Brothers Kirk and Chris Bray have been operating the Billykirk leather workshop in Jersey City for over 10 years. They'll spend the day teaching you the ins and outs of working with leather, its properties and behaviour as a timeless material as you cut, press, stitch, dye and brand your own card wallet.
Rick and Michael Mast of Brooklyn-based Mast Brothers Chocolate will reveal the secrets behind making and tasting a great bar of craft chocolate. Beginning with righteously sourced raw cacao, the award-winning master chocolate makers will teach the intricacies of bean selection, the perfect roast, grind and temper—even designing and wrapping the perfect chocolate to take home.
James Freeman, head of San Francisco’s Blue Bottle Coffee, will join us for a full-day workshop on what makes a great cup of coffee. From roasting the beans and tampering espresso, all the way through to understanding the brewing process and refining the perfect brew, you’ll then leave with your own bag of perfectly roasted whole bean coffee and the knowhow on how to prepare it.
We’re just getting started. Build isn’t just a conference—it’s a week long festival of events. Here’s a taste of the rest of the week, with more to come.
Join host Stefan Sagmeister for this year’s evening of film. We’ll premiere a preview of his new feature “The Happy Film”, and screen other excellent design-related films and documentaries. Popcorn included.
Work, rest, or play. Take the day to catch up on work or collaborate with others. We’ll also host a Pecha Kucha at our mini-theatre, where you’ll also be able to show your work and discuss ideas with other attendees, or just crack open a beer and play some Mario Kart.
It wouldn’t be a proper festival without some quality live music. For the first time at Build, join us for a night of great performances from some of the best bands around. We’re still confirming our lineup, so check back soon for full details.
Our fringe events are spread throughout the week, filling the evenings with even more incredible things to do. Here’s a few to get you started.
Charles Adler is a co-founder of Kickstarter, the online platform that is redefining the way creators fund their work and connect with their audience. In this lecture, he will tell us all about Kickstarter’s history and hint about where they may be going next.
Portland-based Aaron Draplin is the founder of Draplin Design Co, a small design shop best known for their work on the Field Notes brand. In this evening lecture, Aaron will share stories and lessons from his decade-long career.
Join us once again for an evening of delicious local craft beers, featuring offerings brews from the best local Northern Irish and Irish microbreweries. We’ll also be debuting our very own limited-edition extra-special delicious custom Build beer. Sláinte!
Now in its third year, The Standardistas’ Open Book Exam returns to our fringe lineup. Demanding the tactical use of your internet-enabled device of choice, the OBE requires you to avail of the web’s wealth of knowledge to answer the quiz’s formidable questions.
New to Build in 2012 is the Draft Supply Co. pop-up shop, stocking quality goods for the discerning digital craftsman. Low on stationary, need a gift, or feel like picking up some Build swag? We’re open for business.
We’ll be establishing a base of operations at The Black Box on Hill Street, right at the epicentre of the Build festivities. Our pop-up cafe will serve a full menu all day, offer free wifi, and will be staffed by Build volunteers who’ll be constantly on hand to answer any questions.
